Banana Caramel Crumb Bars
Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple
Delight in the rich flavors of these Banana Caramel Crumb Bars, a perfect blend of sweet bananas, creamy caramel, and a crunchy crumb topping.
These Banana Caramel Crumb Bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a perfect way to use overripe bananas. The combination of soft banana filling, rich caramel, and a crumbly topping creates a dessert that is hard to resist.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich banana flavor complemented by gooey caramel
- Crunchy crumb topping adds the perfect texture
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Banana Caramel Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that marries the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that elevates your dessert experience. The bananas provide a moist base that balances perfectly with the gooey caramel, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that is simply irresistible.
The addition of walnuts adds a layer of crunch and enhances the overall taste profile, making these bars not only delicious but also satisfying. Whether you're a fan of fruit desserts or just love a good caramel treat, these bars offer something for everyone.
Easy to Make, Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about these Banana Caramel Crumb Bars is how simple they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. This makes them an ideal choice for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings, ensuring that you always have a delicious treat on hand.
They're perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether at a potluck, picnic, or simply as an after-school snack. The bars can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week without any hassle.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the banana mixture until just combined.
Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Pour the caramel sauce over the crumb layer and sprinkle with walnuts if using. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Tips for the Best Banana Caramel Crumb Bars
For the best flavor, use ripe bananas that are heavily speckled. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and richer the flavor will be in your bars. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the ripening process by placing the bananas in a paper bag.
If you're looking to elevate your crumb bars even further, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture. This will add a warm depth of flavor that complements the bananas and caramel beautifully.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months; just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Serve these delightful bars warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, warm them slightly and drizzle with additional caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This will take your dessert to the next level!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before mashing.
→ How do I store the bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
You can use homemade caramel or a chocolate sauce for a different flavor.
Banana Caramel Crumb Bars
Delight in the rich flavors of these Banana Caramel Crumb Bars, a perfect blend of sweet bananas, creamy caramel, and a crunchy crumb topping.
Created by: Ella
Recipe Type: Delicious Desserts Made Simple
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the banana mixture until just combined.
Spread half of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Pour the caramel sauce over the crumb layer and sprinkle with walnuts if using. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g